Parent Guide To Finding High Quality Child Care

NAVIGATING THE WAY TO HIGH QUALITY CHILD CARECHILD CARE SOLUTIONS

Brought to you by:

Par

ents

Parent Guide to Finding High Quality Child CareIn Onondaga & Cayuga Counties

FREE

2013

Your local Child Care Resource and Referral Agency, serving Onondaga County since 1975 &

Cayuga County since 2009.

Our mission is to promote early learning, healthy development and high quality care for all children.

*It is important to know that this team does not monitor or inspect programs or providers. The information they provide is for referral purposes only and is not a recommendation. Their services can not replace your responsibility as a parent to inspect, evaluate and monitor the quality of the care you choose.

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Follow our early care & learning blogwww.childcaresolutionscny.wordpress.com/

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Email: [email protected]

Call our parent referral team: 315-446-1220 ext. 303 or 888-729-7290 www.childcaresolutionscny.org

Visit: 6724 Thompson Rd. Syracuse, NY 34 Wright Ave. Auburn, NY 13021

Dear Parents of Onondaga & Cayuga County,

Welcome to the Child Care Solution’s “Parent Guide to Choosing High Quality Child Care.” Whether you are a parent of an infant, toddler or school age child; choosing child care is one of the most important and often times difficult decisions you will make. I wish I could tell you that high quality care is easy to find and easy to afford. The truth is, the child care system is complicated, confusing and costly. When you are making this choice you have to be an informed consumer and a comparison shopper.

It is our goal at Child Care Solutions to teach parents like you how to find high quality child care. This “Parent Guide” is the instruction manual for your search. We provide descriptions of the type of care available, the average costs, and a step by step plan to help guide you through the process. We also explain what high quality child care really looks like and why it is important to your child’s healthy development.

In addition to this guide, we have on staff Parent Services Specialists* that act as your personal customer service representatives. These specialists are here to assist you by providing information regarding child care programs, community resources and parenting via consultation and referrals. They provide referrals to New York State regulated child care providers and programs in Onondaga and Cayuga Counties. Unlike some of the online referral services that are advertised on TV, (Angie’s List, Care.com) the members of this team are experts in child care and their services are always free. They are never more than a phone call or e-mail away.

Please feel free to call us with any questions about our services or visit us on the web. We’d love to hear from you and thanks for choosing Child Care Solutions.

Peggy LiuzziExecutive Director


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3-6 aTypes Of Child Care7 aAverage Full Time Costs of Child Care8 aFinancial Help is Available9 aBegin Your Search10 aPlan Your Search11-12 aHigh Quality Indicators13-14 aChoosing High Quality Checklist15 aCommunity Resources16 aHigh Quality Child Care Is Important To Our Community17 aIt’s About The Children18 aImportant Information

When children feel safe and secure and get lots of individual attention, that is the mark of high quality child care. A safe, loving, stimulatingenvironment is important. But children also need a place that supports their learning and development so they can reach their full potential and be ready for success.

The first 5 years of a child’s life are critical to their development. High quality child care will help ensure that children are ready for school & ready to learn.

Types of Child Care

Every parent has different preferences and opinions when it comes to child care. Perhaps you think your child would like to be in a child care center with other children their age. Maybe you want your child to be cared for in a more home-like setting. Some parents prefer to have friends or relatives care for their children.

Because all children are unique and have different needs and personalities, there is not a one size fits all answer for child care.The descriptions on pages 4-6 will help you get a better understand-ing of the types of regulated and non-regulated child care programs in New York State. Regulated programs are required to meet minimum health, safety, nutrition and training standards. However, just because a program is regu-lated does not guarantee it is a high quality program. Look for the quality indicators on pages 11-12 to learn what high quality care looks like.

Don’t Be Confused...Let Child Care Solutions Help You Navigate Your Way To High Quality Child Care!

What types of child care are available?

How many children can one person care for?

Is all child care regulated? What does that mean?

For More Information


Call our parent referral team: 315-446-1220 ext.303 or 888-729-7290

Web: www.childcaresolutionscny.org

Visit : 6724 Thompson Rd. Syracuse, NY 34 Wright Ave. Auburn, NY

Family Child Care1

*The max # of children cared for is based on the ages of the caregiver’s own children and the ages of those they serve.

Some parents choose family child care because it offers their children a home-like environment and they like having their children of different ages, together in the same group. Care occurs in an occupied residence.

In New York State we have two types of regulated family child care. They are registered Family Child Care Homes and licensed Group Family Child Care Homes. You can find the definitions below. There are minimum health, safety and nutrition standards for both. NYS requires all registered/licensed family child care programs to complete background checks for providers and household members (18 & over). NYS requires providers to have pre-service and on-going training. Registered/licensed family child care programs are inspected prior to opening and on a every two years or random basis.

• Care is provided by one (1) registered caregiver • Care occurs in an occupied residence• Can care for children ages (6) weeks - (12) years• Registered by NYS Office of Children & Family Services. • A registered family child care home may care for up to 8 children from 6 weeks old - 12 years old*• There must be one caregiver present for every 2 children less than 2 years of age

• Care is provided by a licensed caregiver• Care occurs in an occupied residence• Can care for children ages (6) weeks - (12) years• Licensed by NYS Office of Children & Family Services• A licensed group family child care home may care for up to 16 children from 6 weeks old -12 years old*• There must be one caregiver present for every 2 children less than 2 years of age• When there are 8 or more children present, there must be a second caregiver or “assistant” present

1b

1a Family Child Care Home

Group Family Child Care

• Care is provided by a relative or non relative of the family• Care can occur in the child’s home or the provider’s home• Can care for up to (2) non-related children* • There is no maximum number of children allowed when all are related to the caregiver• If care is provided for relatives & non relatives the maximum number of children allowed is 8 (2 non re-

lated)* • Caregiver’s own children are not counted in the total number of children allowed.• Not regulated by the Office of Children & Family Services

*This number is applicable when care exceeds 3 hours per day and occurs in the caregiver’s home. If a program is caring for more than 2 non-related children more than 3 hours per day they are must be registered or licensed.

Family, Friend & Neighbor Care3

• Care is provided by multiple caregivers• Care occurs in a facility separate from a residence• Can care for children ages (6) weeks - (12) years• Licensed by NYS Office of Child & Family Services• Children are typically divided by age group

The maximum # of children allowed in a group at a center is dependent on the age of the children served as is the maximum # of children per caregiver in a group. See the table below for maximum #’s.

MaximumGroup Size & Child To (1) Adult Ratio

6weeks-18 mnths

18 mos-36 mos

3 years 4 years 5 years 6-9 years

10-12 years

Group Size 8 12 18 21 24 20 30Ratio 4 5 7 8 9 10 15

Child Care Centers

Child care centers care for children in groups. Centers are licensed and regulated by the NYS Office of Chil-dren & Family Services (OCFS). Because they are regulated by NYS they are required to meet minimum health, safety, nutrition and caregiver training standards. NYS requires background checks on all staff mem-bers at child care centers. Every licensed child care program must be inspected at least once before each license renewal.

Some parents choose centers because they believe that larger groups, multiple caregivers and state inspec-tions make programs safer for their children and make the arrangement more dependable. Centers have more staff, space, equipment, toys and organized activities which some parents prefer.

Some parents choose a relative, friend or neighbor to provide child care. These programs are not subject to health, safety and training standards unless they care for children who receive government child care subsi-dies. They are exempt from regulation because of the number of children in care (2 non related children) or because the caregiver is a relative to the child.

Some parents use this type of care because it best meets their schedules, budgets or transportation needs.

2

• Care occurs in a variety of settings such as elementary schools, churches, community centers and child care centers

• Can care for children ages (5) years - (12) years, or older in a group setting.

• Registered by the NYS Office of Children & Family Services.

School Age Child Care

MaximumGroup Size & Child To (1) Adult Ratio

K-9 years 10years-12 years

Group Size 20 30

Ratio 10:1 15:1

• Care is provided by an employee of the family in the child’s home. The employer (parent) is required to meet minimum wage and other employee benefit requirements.

• There are nanny agencies that will assist families (on a fee-for-service basis) in finding caregivers.• Not regulated by the Office of Children & Family Services.

Hired Caregiver/Nanny

Nursery/PreSchool: A program that serves children ages 3-5 years old in a variety of settings in-cluding, public & private schools, churches, community centers & home residences. Programs may meet anywhere from 1-5 days/week for less than 3 hours per session. They typically follow the school calendar year. Generally non-regulated and are not required to meet any specific requirements except for pro-grams that voluntarily register with the the NYS Department of Education.

Pre-Kindergarten: A part-day NYS funded program run and housed by some school districts, and sometimes run and housed in a community early childhood program that can offer a full day option to children.

Head Start/Early Start: Federally funded programs for children that meet 4-5 days/week during the school year. Children must be at least 3 years old and not eligible to attend public school to attend Head Start. Early Head Start is a program that serves pregnant women, & families with children birth to 3 years, for part day or school day sessions and offers a variety of support services. Head Start encourages parent involvement through regular home visits, volunteering in the program and special activities. All Head Start/Early Head Start Centers are licensed by NYS Office of Children and Family Services and serve primarily low income families.

Early Childhood Education Programs

Camp Programs: Day or overnight recreational programs that operate during the summer months and sometimes school breaks. Some programs are licensed by the NYS Office of Children and Family Services and some are regulated by the NYS Dept. of Health and must meet minimum health and safety requirements.

Camp Programs

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6

7For More Information





School age child care programs provide care for more than six (6) children ages 5-12 years, or older, during non-school hours; may also provide care during school vacation periods and holidays. Background checks are required for all staff.

Affording Child CareInfant (6 weeks-18 mos)

Toddler(19-35 mos)

Pre-School(3-5 yrs)

School Age (5-12 yrs)

Cayuga $136 $129 $127 $112Onondaga $159 $150 $148 $137

Infant (6 wks-18 mos)

Toddler(19-35 mos)

Pre-School(3-5 yrs)


Cayuga $151 $138 $133 $119Onondaga $165 $156 $153 $145

Infant (6 wks-18 mos)

Toddler(19-35 mos)

Pre-School(3-5 yrs)


Cayuga $183 $178 $155 $136Onondaga $218 $204 $189 $173

School Age(5-12 yrs)

Cayuga $150Onondaga $125

Average Weekly Full Time Cost Family Child Care

Average Weekly Full Time Cost Group Family Child Care

Average Weekly Full Time Cost Child Care Centers

Average Weekly Full Time Cost School Age Child Care

The average weekly cost of full time care varies depending on the type of setting

and the age of your child. The listed costs are valid as of

3/2013






Call Child Care Solutions at 446-1220 ext. 303 or e-mail [email protected] for more information, an application or a list of eligible programs for the Community Child Care Scholarships

Family Size 2 3 4Onondaga County Gross Annual Income Limits

$30,260 $38,180 $46,100

Cayuga County Gross Annual Income Limits

$24,207 $30,543 $36,879

In Onondaga County call the County Day Care Unit at 315-435-5683, ext. 2 for more information or an application.

In Cayuga County call the Cayuga County Health & Human Services at 315-253-1580 for more information or an application.

Care can take place in a child care

center, family child care home or with

a trusted relative or friend. You make the

choice.

Parents must work 20 or more hours

per week and have incomes below the

gross annual income limits to qualify.

Financial Aid from Onondaga & Cayuga Counties

Family Size 2 3 4Onondaga County Gross Annual Income Ranges

$30,261- $37,825

$38,181- $47,725

$46,101- $57,625

Cayuga County Gross Annual Income Ranges

$24,208-$34,042

$30,544-$42,952

$36,880-$51,862

Scholarships are funded by the United

Ways of CNY and Cayuga County, and the City of Auburn.Eligible parents can

enroll their children in a local non-profit child

care program.

Parents must work 30 hours per week and have incomes

within these ranges to qualify.

Help is available...Onondaga & Cayuga Counties both offer financial aid for eligible parents to help cover the cost of child care. The United Ways of CNY and Cayuga County, and the City of Auburn fund Community Child Care Scholarships that can also help defray costs. If you have questions about either program please call Child Care Solutions at 446-1220 ext. 303. or toll free at 888-729-7290 ext. 303.

Community Child Care Scholarships

Let’s face it. Child care is expensive!

Begin Your

Search for

High Quality

Child Care

At Child Care Solutions, we believe that you are the best person to choose a child care setting that will best meet the needs of your child. Choosing care can be a difficult and emotional process. You are choosing the setting where your precious child will spend his or her days while you are at work or school. It is important to carefully evaluate the center or family child care provider. We strongly suggest that you visit as many programs as possible. This will allow you to explore and compare the many options available.

The next pages of our parent guide will give you tools that you can use to plan your search for Quality Child Care.

The Plan for Finding Quality Child Care .......................................gives you the basic steps you need to take in your search.

The Quality Indicators.................................................................are things that quality programs should have in place. Look for these and ask about them.

The Choosing Quality Child Care Checklist ................................... is a tool you can bring with you when you observe child programs.

Page 11-12

Page 10

Page 13-14

• Check references• Read through the contract• Contact the Office of Children & Family Services

or Child Care Solutions to check compliance history of the program.

• After you have narrowed down or chosen a pro-gram; you may want to bring your child in for a test run. Observe their interactions with the caregiver and other children.

2 • Ask if they have openings (state child’s or children’s age/ages).• Ask questions on topics that are important to you (you can use information from this

referral packet as a guide).• Arrange for an interview appointment with providers who may meet your needs.• Arrange a time to visit during the day while children are in care.

3• Is the caregiver/program licensed or registered? • How much experience and training does the caregiver/staff have?• Is there frequent staff change and/or turnover?• Is there a parent contract? What are the details of the contract?• What is the expectation of payment for holidays, vacation and sick days (yours & theirs)?• How does the program keep parents informed about their child’s/children’s day?• Are there parent involvement opportunities (fieldtrips or projects)?

4• Visit the program and interview either the child care center director or family caregiver• Observe the interactions between children and caregivers. • Observe the caregiver’s/classroom routine while also observing the room.• Take note of the area. Are the children well supervised? Are there enough toys? Are the

toys age appropriate?• Look for room safety. Are the outlets covered? Cabinets childproof?• Obtain a copy of the provider’s/program’s contract and ask for references before you leave

(perhaps current families and at least one family who no longer uses this program).

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Email us: [email protected]

Call our parent services specialists: 315-446-1220 ext. 303 or 888-729-7290 ext. 303

Visit us on the web: www.childcaresolutionscny.org

Visit us: 6724 Thompson Rd. Syracuse, NY 34 Wright Ave. Auburn, NY

1• Call Child Care Solution’s Parent Services Specialists for a list of programs that meet your

needs.• Be specific when you call. For example if your child has a pet allergy make sure we know. • Discuss any questions or concerns you have with our team.

After The Visit

Call Child Care Solutions

Call The Potential Program

Prepare Interview Questions To Ask

Visit/Observe/Interview

1

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wants you to look for these

7quality indicators when you

search for child care.

Quality child care programs respect and understand the importance of their relationships with parents. You should feel welcome at all times and be invited to particpate in activities, field trips and special programs. You have the right to drop in at any time during business hours to observe or visit. There should be open communication with the caregiver on a regular (if not daily) basis. Parents should always feel comfortable when talking to their child care provider.

2

Change is hard for most people. It can be especially difficult for young children. Getting used to new caregivers takes time and can be very stressful. That is why it is best if children stay with the same caregiver for at least one year. Quality programs are able to keep staff turnover to a minimum and have consistent relationships with children.

3

Small group size and low teacher/child ratios are probably the best indicators for determining the quality of a child care program. Regulated programs must limit the number of children each adult cares for based on the standards set. These standards help to ensure children are properly supervised, safer and get the attention they need and deserve. Although safety is always forefront on every parents mind there are other benefits to small group size and low caregiver/child ratios. Caregivers in small groups spend more time interacting (responding, comforting, talking, listening, playing, reading etc.) with children. They are also more sensitive to children’s needs, more actively involved in their care and tend to offer more developmentally appropriate activities.

Research shows that children in small groups are not only safer, they also have better social skills, are more involved in activities, and less agressive. One of the bigger benefits of small group size and low ratios is that caregivers and children have more opportunity to talk to each other. This increased communication is critical to developing children’s language skills and school readiness.

Small Group Size & Low Caregiver/Child Ratios

Strong Parent/Provider Relationships

Consistent Relationships

Accreditation is a system of recognition for child care programs/caregivers that meet very high quality standards. Accreditaton is granted by national commissions such as NAEYC or NAFCC. Programs & caregivers that are accredited have met voluntary standards for child care that are higher than most staterequirements. Accreditation is granted for a 5 year period. There are a limited number of accreditedprograms in Onondaga & Cayuga Counties.

In your absence child care providers act as your child’s protector and teacher. It is crucial that they are trained & educated in early childhood development. NYS regulated childcare programs/caregivers must receive ongoing training in such areas as health & safety, nutrition, child abuse & neglect and other child development areas to maintain their license/registration. We at Child Care Solutions know the importance a properly trained caregiver can make in the life of your child. We educate providers on everything from potty training, behavior, guidance, early literacy & learning through play. Quality programs make training like this a priority.

Legal child care programs have a license or are registered, with only a few exceptions. Programs that care for more than two non-related children for three hours or more per day must have a license or registration certificate. Staff of licensed and registered programs have background checks and are required to meet continuing education requirements. These programs are inspected to insure that they meet New York State’s high health & safety standards. Pre-K programs meet NYS Department of Education standards. Summer camps may meet either Department of Health or NYS Office of Children & Family Services stan-dards. When you visit a regulated child care program, ask to see the license or registration certificate.

Attention to basic health and safety factors is critical to high quality child care. NYS regulations require that all licensed and registered providers meet basic health & safety standards. Some things you should ask about include:• Are the children seen and heard by the caregiver at all times? Even during nap time?• Are feeding and sleeping schedules and/or toilet training addressed?• Are nutritious meals provided? (Caregivers are allowed to have parents bring meals.)• Does the site have a bathroom, wash area that is accessible to children? Does the program follow

good hand washing and sanitation practices?• Are there enough adults for the group size and ages of the children?• Is the furniture and equipment clean, safe and in good condition?• Is the site child-proofed: electrical outlets covered, stairways protected, childproof locks on cabinets,

poisons kept away from children, hanging cords from blinds secured?• Does the site have working fire & CO2 detectors and fire extinguishers?• Is there an emergency/evacuation plan and are practice drills done with the children?• Is there a working phone at the site? Are emergency numbers posted?• Are caregivers MAT certified? (MAT certification or Medication Administration Training is required if

your child needs to have certain medication on a regular basis for routine medical needs while in care.)

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Caregivers Have Early Childhood Training

Program is Licensed or Registered

Good Health & Safety Practices

Accreditation

Updated May 2011

6724 Thompson Road, Syracuse, NY 13211

CHOOSING QUALITY CHILDCARE At Child Care Solutions, we believe that you are the best person to choose a child care setting that will best meet the needs of your child. Choosing care can be a difficult. It is important to carefully evaluate the program or family child care provider. We strongly suggest that you visit as many programs as possible. This will allow you to explore and compare the many options available. The following is a guide you may use while visiting and evaluating the child care setting. Child Care Solutions referral service does not give recommendations, endorse or inspect any programs or providers listed for referral purposes.

Caregivers' Names

1 2 3 4 5

HEALTH & SAFETY:

Does the site have working smoke detectors and fire extinguishers?

Is there an emergency/evacuation plan and are practice drills done with the children?

Is the site child proof: electrical outlets covered, stairways protected, poisons kept away from children, guns locked in cabinets?

Is there a working phone at the site? Are emergency numbers posted?

Is the furniture and equipment safe and in good condition?

Are there first aid supplies available on site?

Does the site have a bathroom, wash area that is accessible to children? Is the environment clean? (especially eating, diapering and bathroom areas)

Are good health habits such as washing hands before eating, after toileting or outside play practiced?

Are infants laid on their backs to sleep?

Is at least one care giver on site certified in medication administration, CPR, & First Aid? ENVIRONMENT:

Does the site have a safe place for infants to crawl and explore?

Is there space indoors for active play and outdoors for running, jumping, and climbing? This is a two-sided form

Choosing Quality Child Care Checklist

Updated May 2011

Does the site have separate spaces for quiet times like doing homework or naptime?

Does the site have a space that is clean, bright and child friendly?

Are there equipment and supplies on site to accommodate the needs of various ages: blocks, books, games, toys, creative art materials?

Are children allowed to choose activities based on their own interests and abilities?

Is reading to the children part of the daily activities? Do children watch TV? How much and what? CAREGIVER:

Are there enough adults for the group size and ages of children?

Does the caregiver attend trainings related to health and safety & child development?

Does the caregiver provide individual attention to each child?

Does the caregiver get down to the level of the children and engage in activities?

Does the caregiver appear to be warm, loving, and nurturing? POLICIES, PROCEDURES & HANDBOOK

Is there a contract or handbook that explains policies & procedures: When your child or the provider is ill, various fees, hours of operation, and holiday & vacation schedule.

For behavior issues and discipline.

About feeding & sleeping schedules? Is toilet training discussed?

Are nutritious meals provided? Does the provider participate in the CACFP food program? Are children transported for any reason? Who provides the car seats? Is there a written permission form?

Are parents allowed to visit at any time?

Are references provided?

Will the program/provider share information regarding your child with you on a regular basis? And How? For further assistance we are available M-F 8:30 AM-4:30 PM & Tues until 7:00 PM: (315) 446-1220 ext. 303 or 888-729-7290. You can also email us at ParentHelp@ childcaresolutionscny.org or visit our website at www.childcaresolutionscny.org.

Bring this checklist with you when you visit potential child care providers. When you are prepared with the right questions it is easier to interview and select the right provider for your family.

In addition to Child Care Solutions you may need the services of other organizations.

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You may also want to visit: New York’s Early Care & Learning Council www.earlycareandlearning.org

Child Care Aware of America www.childcareaware.org

The Children’s Consortium www.childrenconsortium.com

Cayuga CountyAuburn Memorial Hospital 255-7011Auburn Police Department 253-3231Cavalry Food Pantry 252-7772Cayuga Co. Sheriff’s Dept. 253-1222Cayuga-Seneca CAA (Head Start/Early Head Start) 255-1703Child Abuse Reporting 1-800342-3720Domestic Violence Intervention Program 283-2030E. John Gavras Center 255-2746East Hill Family Medical 255-1171Finger Lakes Medical Care Center 258-7100Food Stamps 253-1265Health & Human Services Department 253-1513Moravia Health Center 497-9066Poison Control 1-800-222-1222Port Byron Health Center 776-9900Seneca/Cayuga ARC 255-2285The Salvation Army 253-0319WIC 253-1406

Onondaga CountyCatholic Charities 424-1800Child Abuse Reporting 422-9701Community General Hospital 492-5011Crouse Hospital 470-7111Domestic Violence Shelter (Vera House) 468-3260Early Intervention 435-3230Food Bank of CNY 1-866-839-7304Food Stamps 1-800-342-3009Legal Services of CNY 475-3127Onondaga Co. Day Care Unit 435-LOVE (5683)Onondaga Co. Dept. of Health 435-2362Onondaga Co. Dept. of Social Services 435-2985Onondaga Co. Help Line (24 Hour) 438-8300Onondaga Co. Sheriff’s Dept. 435-3044PEACE, Inc. (Head Start / Early Head Start) 470-3300Poison Control 1-800-222-1222St. Joseph’s Hospital Health Center 448-5111Syracuse Community Health Center 476-7921Syracuse Police Department 442-5111The Salvation Army 475-1688Upstate University Hospital 464-5540WIC 435-3304

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High Quality Child Care is also good for our community

• Short-term—it supports local families so they can work. Their productivity on the job keeps our businesses running and enables residents to provide for their families, buy homes and pay taxes to support the economic stability of our community.

• Long-term—it increases school readiness and lays the foundation for children’s later success in school and in life. With lackluster test scores and high dropout rates plaguing many of our schools, it’s time to invest more money in school readiness. Research studies have found that 75% of brain growth and 85% of intellect, personality and social skills develop before age five. Charles Kolb, president of the Committee for Economic Development (CED), said recently, “We’re literally spending billions and billions of dollars on K-12 education, and when kindergartners and first graders aren’t ready to learn when they get to school, it hurts the nation.” Quality child care is good for business too. Many Fortune 500 companies have found that increasing access to child care helps employees to balance their family and work roles and improves productivity, reduces absenteeism, cuts turnover and increases company value.

We know that most parents feel that having their child feel safe and secure and getting lots of individual attention is the mark of quality child care. A safe, loving, stimulating environment is important. Your child also needs a place to to learn, reach his/her potential and prepare for success in school. The first 5 years of a child’s life are critical to later development. When your children have to be away from you they should be in care that helps them become the best they can be. But did you know that:

Watch BRAIN HERO from Harvard University’s Center on the Developing Child. Learn why positive early learning experiences are critical for our community. a


Child Care Solutions does the work we do because of these core beliefs:

• All children deserve high quality early learning & care experiences.

• All children have the right to secure, trusting, nurturing relationships with adults.

• All children must have their physical, emotional and social needs met to

develop to their fullest potential.

• All children deserve the same respect as adults.

• As adults we have to advocate for & protect all children.

• Children are born ready to learn.

• All children are unique, with individual learning styles.

• Children learn through play.

If you hold these same core beliefs please consider supporting Child Care Solutions. To learn how to support our organization please call:

Peggy Liuzzi: 315-446-1220 ext. 310Patrice Robinson: 315-446-1220 ext. 354Or go to: www.childcaresolutionscny.org

Scan the QR Code on your mobile

phone to go directly to our

website.

It’s All About The Children

Child Care SolutionsChild Care Resource & Referral Policies

Referral Fee PolicyChild Care Solutions’ Parent Referral Specialists can help you find and choose child care that best meets your needs and the needs of your child. There are no fees associated with this referral process.

Confidentiality PolicyAll information given to Child Care Solutions is confidential and is only used to help locate potential providers that fit a families’ needs, identify other resources that may be helpful and in blind statistical reporting for our agency and some of our funding sources.

Disclaimer PolicyAny provider names that are given to callers are referrals only. Average Cost of Regulated Child Care In Onondaga and Cayuga CountyFebruary 2013

FT Weekly Average Cost of Care FT Annual Average Cost of Care Shown in ()

Onondaga CayugaLicensed Child Care Centers

Infant (6 wks – 18 mos) $218 ($11,336) $183 ($9,516)Toddler (19 mos – 35 mos) $204 ($10,608) $178 ($9,256)Pre-School (3 – 5 yrs) $189 ($9828) $155 ($8,060)School-Age (5 – 12 yrs) $173 ($8,996) $136 ($7,072)

Licensed GFDC

Infant (6 wks – 24 mos) $165 ($8580) $151 ($7,852)Toddler (24 mos – 35 mos) $156 ($8,112) $138 ($7,176)Pre-School (3 – 5 yrs) $153 ($7,956) $133 ($6,916)School-Age (5 – 12 yrs) $145 ($7,540) $119 ($6,188)

Registered FDC

Infant (6 wks – 24 mos) $159 ($8,268) $136 ($7,072)Toddler (24 mos – 35 mos) $150 ($7,800) $129 ($6,708)

Email us: [email protected]

Child Care Solutions Hours of OperationSyracuse M-F 8:30-4:30 Auburn T-Th 8:30-4:00

Visit us: 6724 Thompson Rd. Syracuse, NY 34 Wright Ave. Auburn, NY

Important Information

Child Care Solutions6724 Thompson RoadSyracuse, NY 13211

Non-Profit Org.U.S. Postage

PAIDSyracuse, NY

Permit No. 1027

Our MissionChild Care Solutions promotes early learning, healthy devel-opment and high quality care for all children through educa-tion, advocacy and support for families and early childhood professionals.

Our Locations & Business Hours

Auburn 34 Wright Ave. Auburn, NY 13021

Hours T - Th 8:30 am - 4:00 pm

syrAcuse 6724 Thompson Road Syracuse, NY 13211

Hours M - F 8:30 am - 4:30 pm

Our Phones & Contact Information

MAin PHone (315) 446-1220FAx (315) 446-2010

PArent reFerrAl # (315) 446-1220 ext 303toll Free (888) 729-7290 ext 303

Website www.childcaresolutionscny.orge-MAil [email protected]

Current resident or:

Published by Child Care Solutions

Documents

Parent Guide To Finding High Quality Child Care